Agar Medium Research Articles

Draft genome sequence of Exiguobacterium sp. from whole cantaloupe, with inhibition capacity against Listeria monocytogenes.

We report the draft genome sequence of a novel species, Exiguobacterium sp., isolated from a freshly harvested and untreated cantaloupe in North Carolina. The strain Exiguobacterium wild type exhibited inhibitory activity against the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, including strains of diverse serotypes and genotypes, both on agar media and in biofilms.

Synthesis of chromium-D-phenylalanine complex and exploring its effects on reproduction and development in Drosophila melanogaster.

The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of Chromium-D-phenylalanine (Cr (D-phe)3) on the reproduction and development of Drosophila melanogaster. Cr (D-phe)3 was synthesized and characterized by infrared spectral analysis, melting point (DSC), and UV spectral analysis. D. melanogaster was raised in corn flour agar medium containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20μg/mL of Cr (D-phe)3. The effect of Cr (D-phe)3 was evaluated by observing the larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric analysis of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults, fertility, fecundity, lifespan of the emerged flies, and levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the supernatant of flies homogenate suspension. The study results indicate that Cr (D-phe)3 showed beneficial effects on reproduction and development in D. melanogaster. Cr (D-phe)3 significantly improved the larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric characters of the larva, pupa, and adult, fertility, fecundity, and lifespan of D. melanogaster. Moreover, Cr (D-phe)3 also significantly elevated the levels of catalase (p < 0.01), GST (p < 0.05), and SOD (p < 0.01) in D. melanogaster, and results were statistically significant at the dose of 15μg/mL. The study results indicate that Cr (D-phe)3 has a positive effect on the reproduction and development of D. melanogaster. The literature review revealed that there is a strong relationship between the physiology of metabolism, oxidative stress and reproduction and development. Several studies propose that Cr(III) influences insulin sensitivity and thereby the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Cr (D-phe)3 also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, the observed beneficial effects of Cr (D-phe)3 on reproduction and development of D. melanogaster may be attributed to its physiological effect on carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Molecular Analysis of Some Virulence Genes of Escherichia Coli Isolates from Wound and Burn Samples in Kirkuk City

Background: Gram-negative infections caused by non-spore producing E. coli that are facultatively anaerobic have been recognized as serious infections linked to higher mortality and significant costs associated with medical care.&#x0D; Aim: The goal of this study was to determine whether or not a number of E. coli strains are capable of producing virulence genes by using a technique called real time PCR.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 155 people with burns and wounds had their cultures obtained, and susceptibility testing using swabs, tissue biopsies, and needle aspirations were performed. When compared to other techniques of specimen collection, swab cultures yield precise results and are a practicable, widely utilized, non-invasive, and cost-effective method. The two most recommended techniques for obtaining specimens are tissue biopsy and needle aspiration. Swab cultures, on the other hand, are appropriate since they are useful, widely applied, non-invasive, and reasonably priced. Samples from patients were collected in the consultation rooms, including swabs from burns and wounds. The sufferers had these taken from them. Before being identified, smear samples were initially cultivated in the lab on several selective media. Transport media-filled sterile collection containers containing these samples were brought to the lab.&#x0D; Results: According to the study's findings, E. coli was found in 27.10% of the burns and wounds samples. According to the study's findings, the majority of patients with E. coli infections (71.43 percent) were females, while only 28.57 percent were males. According to the study's findings, 28.57 percent of patients diagnosed with E. coli infections were between the ages of 31 and 40. The investigation also indicated that all of the sputum samples containing E. coli isolates were from patients above the age of 40. Furthermore, 45 percent of urine samples were collected from patients aged 31 to 40, and 42.86 percent of patients had wound infections. When examined using the MTP technique, fifty percent of the E. coli isolates tested positive for being potent biofilm producers, according to the study's findings. The DNA of 12 distinct E. coli bacterial isolates was isolated and purified using a genomic DNA purification kit. The bacteria were cultured on chromogenic agar medium to produce these E. coli isolates. The results were detected using electrophoresis on agarose gel at a concentration of 1.5 percent. The gel was then exposed to ultraviolet light, which revealed the DNA as compact bands. The virulence gene was found in 95.24 percent of the E. coli isolates taken from burn and wound sites, according to the study's findings. The majority of E. coli isolates tested positive for amikacin, imipenem, and gentamycin, according to the study's findings. The majority of E. coli isolates, on the other hand, were resistant to the medications amoxicillin, levofloxacin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, pefloxacin, cefepime, and ampicillin.

Differential Immune Responses and Underlying Mechanisms of Metabolic Reprogramming in Smooth and Rough Variants of Mycobacterium peregrinum Infections.

Mycobacterium peregrinum (Mpgm) is a rapidly growing mycobacteria that is classified as a nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) and is commonly found in environmental sources such as soil, water, and animals. Mpgm is considered an opportunistic pathogen that causes infection in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying medical conditions. Although there have been clinical reports on Mpgm, reports of the immune response and metabolic reprogramming have not been published. Thus, we studied standard Mpgm-ATCC and two clinical strains (Mpgm-S and Mpgm-R) using macrophages and mouse bone marrow-derived cells. Mpgm has two types of colony morphologies: smooth and rough. We grew all strains on the 7H10 agar medium to visually validate the morphology. Cytokine levels were measured via ELISA and real-time PCR. The changes in mitochondrial function and glycolysis in Mpgm-infected macrophages were measured using an extracellular flux analyzer. Mpgm-S-infected macrophages showed elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12p40, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, compared to Mpgm-ATCC- and Mpgm-R-infected macrophages. Additionally, our findings revealed metabolic changes in Mpgm-ATCC and two clinical strains (Mpgm-S and Mpgm-R) during infection; significant changes were observed in the mitochondrial respiration, extracellular acidification, and the oxygen consumption of BMDMs upon Mpgm-S infection. In summary, within the strains examined, Mpgm-S displayed greater virulence, triggered a heightened immune response, and induced more profound shifts in bioenergetic metabolism than Mpgm-ATCC and Mpgm-R. This study is the first to document distinct immune responses and metabolic reorganization following Mpgm infection. These findings lay a crucial foundation for further investigations into the pathogenesis of Mpgm.

Antibacterial Potency of Various Concentrations of Pineapple Peel Extract (Ananas comosus) against Enterococcus faecalis

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in cases of failed root canal treatment. Irrigation material with antibacterial effects are important in supporting the success of root canal treatment. Pineapple peel as a natural ingredient is reported to contain compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and bromelain enzymes that have been proven antibacterial effects. Purpose: To determine antibacterial potency of pineapple peel extract (Ananas comosus) with concentrations of 1.56%, 3.125%, 6.25% and 12.5% against E. faecalis. Methods: In vitro quasi-laboratory experimental study with a post-test only control group design consisting of pineapple peel extract with concentrations of 1.56%, 3.125%, 6.25%, 12.5%, and aquadest as negative control with repetition 6 times. The inhibition test was determined using the disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton Agar media. The MIC value can be determined using the broth dilution method and the MBC value can be determined using the solid dilution method. The inhibition zone diameter data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA test and Post Hoc Tukey test. Results: Pineapple peel extract with concentrations 12,5% had the largest mean inhibition zone, which is was 3.13 mm. The MIC and MBC values of pineapple peel extract were determined at a concentration of 6.25%. Conclusion: Pineapple peel extract (Ananas comosus) has antibacterial potency against Enterococcus faecalis.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria from soils with varying environmental conditions: Occurrence and function

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is an advantageous way to supply phosphate (P) to plants. The Mediterranean climate of Morocco, especially the low-lying areas, is semi-arid with nutrient-depleted soils in which small-scale, low-income farmers dominate without access to expensive inorganic fertilizers. However, there is not a wide range of PSBs suitable for various agroecological situations. Furthermore, our understanding of the soil and climatic variables that influence their development is limited. This study aims to examine the impacts of specific environmental factors, such as climate and soil, on the abundance, potential, and diversity of PSBs in four agricultural regions of Morocco. To assess the possible impact of these factors on the P solubilization capacity of PSBs and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, we analyzed the soil and climate of each sample studied. Similarly, we tested the P solubilization efficiency of the isolates. The bacteria were isolated in a National Botanical Research Institute’s phosphate (NBRIP) agar medium. A total of 51 PSBs were studied in this work. The P-solubilization average of Rock P (RP) and Tricalcium P (TCP) of all strains that were isolated from each of the four regions ranged from 18.69 mg.L-1 to 40.43 mg.L-1 and from 71.71 mg.L-1 to 94.54 mg.L-1, respectively. The PGP traits of the isolated strains are positively correlated with the PSBs abundance and the sample characteristics (soil and climate). The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the strain allowed us to identify around nine different bacterial genera, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium. The findings showed that bacterial communities, density, and potency are closely correlated to various edapho-climatic conditions such as temperature, precipitation, soil nutrient status, and soil texture. These findings could be used to improve an effective plant-PSBs system and increase agricultural output by taking into account their specific ecological traits and plant growth mechanisms.

The behavior of the Bacillus probiotic species under conditions of co-cultivation

Combining probiotic bacteria is a promising strategy to increase the effectiveness and avoid side effects of probiotic therapy. Bacteria that find themselves in a common environment are able to both change their properties and show new ones under the influence of each other. The change of colonization and antagonistic properties, which provide bacteria with competitive advantages in the development of new spaces, deserves special attention.&#x0D; The aim of this research was to study the features of the mutual influence of probiotic bacilli: B. clausii, B. coagulans and B. subtilis on growth, swimming and swarming motility when co-cultivated on agar media of different solidity.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study used commercial strains of bacilli from three probiotic preparations: Enterogermina, Lactovit forte and Subalin. The ability of the studied species of bacilli to influence each other’s growth was investigated by the agar block method (using 1.5 % nutrient agar) and the spot-on-lawn assay (using 0.7 % nutrient agar). The study of the mutual influence on swimming and swarming activity was carried out when bacilli were cultivated on 0.25 % and 0.70 % tryptone agar, respectively. The diameters of swimming halos and migration swarms formed by monoand mixed cultures were measured, and the areas covered by them were compared. The phenotypes of the meeting of swarms formed by cultures spotted on the swarm plates at different locations were also investigated.&#x0D; Results. The studied probiotic species of the bacilli did not show a strong ability to inhibit each other’s growth. The B. clausii culture had no inhibitory effect, and the B. coagulans culture demonstrated a moderate inhibitory influence on the growth of the other two species of bacilli when using both diffusion methods. The B. subtilis culture showed moderate or weak inhibitory activity against the B. clausii culture and weak or no inhibitory activity against the B. coagulans culture using the agar block method or spot-on-lawn assay, respectively. The B. coagulans + B. subtilis, B. clausii + B. coagulans and B. clausii + B. subtilis mixed cultures showed moderate, weak and no inhibitory activity against third cultures, respectively. The studied species of bacilli showed different swimming ability and swarming potential as well as the ability to influence each other’s motility. Swimming halos formed by the B. clausii + B. subtilis and B. clausii + B. сoagulans + B. subtilis mixed cultures covered significantly larger plate areas than the swimming halos formed by each culture separately during the same cultivation time. The highest swarming potential was observed in B. coagulans culture and B. cla usii + B. coagulans + B. subtilis mixed culture. The studied bacilli did not show the ability to merge swarms, but, on the contrary, their swarms at the point of contact formed visible “boundary” or “intermediate” lines, demonstrating the ability to identify nonself.&#x0D; Conclusions. The obtained results indicate the ability of the probiotic species of bacilli: B. clausii, B. coagulans and B. subtilis to mutually influence growth, swimming and swarm motility. The highest indicators of swimming and swarming of the triple mixed culture indicate an increase in the colonization potential of the studied bacilli when they are combined. The hypothesis of mutual induction of inhibitory compounds production by bacilli, which may increase the overall antagonistic potential of the triple mixed culture, is subject to further confirmation.

Saprotrophic fungi from Juniperus deppeana (Cupressaceae) forest: isolation, identification, in vitro culture, and preservation

The alteration of forests due to anthropogenic activities and natural phenomena has led to the development of adaptive features so that organisms can tolerate it or use it to their benefit. In this study, saprotrophic fungi from a disturbed Juniperus deppeana forest were isolated and identified for in vitro propagation. Thirty-one specimens were collected and propagated on malt extract agar (EMA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), Kraft lignin agar (A-L) and mineral medium (MM). Taxonomic identification was performed on the basis of macro- and micromorphological characters of the basidiomata, and was complemented by phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences. Only 7 strains grew under in vitro conditions; they grew best in EMA and PDA media. Room temperature (~22 °C) and preservation at 4 °C were the best conditions to maintain the viability of the strains. After 6 months, strains preserved in glycerol (15%) at 4° and -20 °C were not viable. The isolated fungi belong to the genera Agrocybe, Byssomerulius, Coniophora and Gymnopus. Given the environmental conditions where the strains were isolated, they represent new research prospects for obtaining biomolecules of biotechnological interest.

Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antifungal Activities of Ethyl Acetate and Chloroformic Extracts from Three Mentha Species

Background Phytopathogenic fungi remain the main infectious agents in plants, causing severe damage to the environment and human health. Thus, to reduce the usage of synthetically derived fungicides and perform agricultural crop production, the search for new control strategies including plant extracts constitutes an eco-friendly and safe alternative. Objectives This study aimed to quantify the phytochemical constituents of the three plant ( Mentha pulegium L., Mentha spicata L., and Mentha longifolia L.) extracts and to screen their phytochemical composition including total phenolic (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and condensed tannins contents (TCTC), and to evaluate their antioxidant activities. The efficacy of all mint extracts will be investigated against phytopathogenic fungal species. Materials and Methods The three plant extracts were screened to assess their total phenolic, flavonoids, and condensed tannin contents using spectrophotometric assays. The antioxidant activities include 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and β-carotene assays. The antifungal activities were investigated on phytopathogenic species including Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Trichoderma sp. Results Quantitative analyses of phytochemical constituents of Mentha genus extracts revealed that both ethyl acetate (EtAc) and chloroformic (Chl) extracts are a rich source of phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. Ethyl acetate extract of M. longifolia (EtAc L) displayed the highest content of phenols (69.9 ± 1.35 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (53.26 ± 2.11 mg CE/g DW), while M. pulegium ethyl acetate extract (EtAc P) has the highest condensed tannins content (2.13 ± 0.4 mg CE/g DW). Moreover, the tested extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activities at low concentrations for EtAc L, followed by M. spicata (EtAc S), and EtAc P (IC50 = 35.76 ± 1.32 µg/mL for scavenging DPPH free radicals; EC50 527.96 ± 5.45 µg/mL for FRAP, and IC50 = 106.3 ± 3.75 µg/mL for β-carotene bleaching test). Finally, all tested extracts were able to inhibit the growth of several phytopathogenic micro-organisms on both agar and broth media. Conclusion The Mentha extracts derived from the three mint species (i.e., L, P, and S) could be used for their antifungal activities to provide sustainable crop pest management.

Effect of glyphosate on the growth and survival of rhizobia isolated from root nodules of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Grass pea (L. sativus L.) is a widely cultivated crop worldwide, forming a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Glyphosate is commonly used by farmers for weed control during agricultural processes. However, the application of this chemical herbicide negatively impacts soil fertility by affecting the nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. This study aimed to assess the effects of glyphosate on rhizobia isolated from healthy and robust Grass pea plants. Specifically, Grass pea plants exhibiting vigorous growth and a healthy appearance were intentionally selected to isolate rhizobia from their root nodules. The isolated rhizobia were then characterized based on their morphological features, biochemical properties, and resistance to abiotic traits. Rhizobial isolates from grass peas exhibited Gram-negative, rod-shaped morphology, milky colony color, and variable colony sizes. Additionally, the majority displayed smooth colony surfaces on yeast extract mannitol agar medium. Based on morphological and biochemical characteristics, the isolates could be grouped under the genus Rhizobium. Optimum growth conditions for these isolates were observed at temperatures between 28 and 38 °C, pH levels ranging from 5 to 8, and salt (NaCl) concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. At a concentration of 20 mL L−1, glyphosate inhibited 5.52–47% of the Rhizobium population. The inhibition percentage increased to 17.1–53.38% at a concentration of 40 mL L−1. However, when exposed to a higher concentration (60 mL/L) of glyphosate, 87% of the isolates were inhibited. The number of colonies after glyphosate exposure was significantly dependent on concentration, and there were notable differences between treatments with varying glyphosate concentrations (p < 0.05). Glyphosate negatively impacted the survival of grass pea rhizobia, leading to a reduction in the Rhizobium population (CFU). However, the effect varied between Rhizobium isolated from grass pea root nodules.

Diversity of Fungal infections and Histopathological preparations of some economically important Fresh Water Fishes in Bhadra Reservoir Project, Karnataka, INDIA

Fungal infections are very serious diseases in culturable freshwater fishes. The present research work aimed to investigate the fungal infections in four economically important freshwater carps i.e. Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Cyprinus carpio which were collected from the Fish seed production unit at Bhadra Reservoir Project (BRP). The infected fishes were collected in polythene bags and brought for mycological study in the laboratory. The fungal strains were isolated using potato dextrose agar and Sabourd’s dextrose agar media. Out of 240 fishes, 168 (70%) infection have been recorded with six different fungal genera of Saprolegnia sp. (54.167%), Penicillium sp. (7.14%), Aspergillus sp. (14.285%), Trichoderma sp. (6.546%), Rhizopus sp. (4.167%) and Mucor sp. (13.695%). These fungi were frequently isolated and identified based on spore structure and morphological characteristics. The monthly variation and percentage of fungal infection in Catla catla was 35.10 %, Labeo rohita was 24.99%, Cirrhinus mrigala was 21.41% and Cyprinus carpio was 18.42%. Winter season (57.5%) and the rainy season (39%) was more favorable for the growth of Saprolegnia sp. than summer season (10%). Histopathological study was carried out to study the effect of Saprolegnia sp. on infected fish. Based on the results, Catla catla fishes were more susceptible to Saprolegnia sp. than other varieties of fishes.

Effect of Different culture media, temperature and pH for growth of Rhizoctonia solani causing Sheath Blight Disease in Rice Mat Nursery

Over the last decade Sheath Blight of Rice as a major constant in rice mat nursery production has been identified globally and integrated disease resistance strategy for Sheath Blight of Rice has been primary focus in south east Asia particularly in the kharif and rabi rice growing areas like Bangladesh, Eastern India, Terai region of Nepal and Pakistan. Rhizoctonia solani (Kuhn.) is the causal agent of Sheath Blight Disease in Rice Mat Nursery. It is a soil inhabiting fungal pathogen which favors hot and humid temperature. Keeping in view the consequentiality of the disease due to transmute in climatic conditions, studies were conducted on the cultural and morphological diversity of the pathogen in different media, pH and temperature conditions. This research was conducted at Department of Plant Pathology in Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. The fungus Rhizoctonia solani gives highest mycelial growth on PDA (Potato dextrose Agar) media which is 60.78 mm and it is followed by Glucose peptone Agar media (55.33 mm) and V-8 juice Agar media (51.11 mm) whereas the lowest growth was observed in Czapek Dox Agar media (19.66 mm) followed by Oat meal Agar media (26.66 mm). In different pH, maximum mycelial growth was observed at pH 7 i.e., at neutral pH (62.33 mm) while they showed less growth in too acidic pH i.e., at 4 and at too high pH i.e., at pH 10. In different temperature, the highest mycelial growth was observed at 26⁰C (62.91 mm) to 28⁰C (62.05 mm) i.e., they prefer normal temperature for their growth.

Comparative investigations into the growth details of Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum on four different agar media.

Epizootic equine lymphangitis (EEL) is a chronic fungal disease that affects equids. The causative agent is a dimorphic fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum. H. capsulatum var farciminosum field strain 7 (D 2878/2023) isolated from the eye socket of an EEL Ethiopian horse was sub-cultured on 4 different solid media and incubated at 26°C and 37°C for 6 weeks. Details of growth morphology were recorded and shown in images during 6 weeks of incubation. H. capsulatum var farciminosum grew best at 26°C on all 4 agars, but only on sheep blood agar at 37°C as small, white dry colonies.

Biological Characteristics of Beauveria majiangensis Strain MJ1015 and Optimization of Solid Medium Technology for Sporulation.

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria majiangensis strain MJ1015, recently isolated from white grubs on a blueberry farm in Guizhou, China, could be used as a biocontrol agent. As a first step toward determining the effect of different solid culture media, temperature, and pH on colony growth rate and sporulation, we evaluated the optimum solid medium for mycelial growth and conidia production on a commercial scale. Subsequently, we also used single-factor analysis and response surface optimization to optimize the composition of the solid culture medium. On potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, MJ1015 grew fastest and produced the highest spore yield at 29°C and pH 5. The best solid medium for the growth and sporulation of strain MJ1015 comprised 64.70 g/l of rice, 13.00 g/l of wheat, 0.30 g/l of NaNO3, 0.36 g/l of K2HPO4 · 3H2O, and 1.00 g/l of CaCO3. Rice, NaNO3, and K2HPO4 · 3H2O were the main influencing factors. The predicted value of cultured spores using the optimal medium was 4.56 x 1010 conidia/l. The validation test results showed that the average growth rate of strain MJ1015 on the optimal medium was 85% and 96% faster than that on Sabouraud dextrose agar with yeast extracts medium (SDAY) and PDA, respectively. Sporulation was 43.90 times and 9.65 times of that produced on SDAY and PDA, respectively. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the commercial production of B. majiangensis to control white grubs.

DIVERSITY OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI FROM SHALLOTS AS A FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT

Fusarium oxysporum is the primary cause of Fusarium wilt, one of the major diseases that harm shallots. 50% of yield can be lost due to Fusarium wilt. It is anticipated that endophytic fungus will inhibit the growth of Fusarium wilt disease in shallots. The endophytic fungi from shallot plants that have the potential to act as biological control agents for the fungal disease F. oxysporum are suggested to be chosen in this study. Using Malt Extract Agar (MEA) medium, endophytic fungi were isolated from healthy shallot plant components (roots, tubers, stems, and leaves). Using dual culture and volatile techniques, the antagonistic potential of endophytic fungi against F. oxysporum was examined. Using shallot seeds, pathogenicity studies for endophytic fungus were conducted in vitro. Twelve endophytic fungal isolates were able to impede the growth of F. oxysporum using the dual culture method; the percentage of inhibition reached 72.52% at seven days post-inoculation. The endophytic fungus was also able to stop F. oxysporum mycelial growth using the volatile compound test, with a percentage inhibition ranging from 4.08 - 27.37%. The findings of the pathogenicity test demonstrated that the four isolates posed a risk to the shallot seeds. The most successful isolate in preventing the growth of F. oxysporum was the endophytic fungus AB4D1, which is a member of the Trichoderma asperellum species.

Phoma spp. are causal agent of white leaf spot disease of ginger in Indonesia

Leaf spot disease is a serious constraint on ginger cultivation in Indonesia. The disease is primarily caused by certain fungal species. Another species of fungus that has never been reported before in Indonesia was consistently isolated from the collected samples of whitish spot symptom from Bogor and Sukabumi, West Java. The present study is aimed to determine the fungal identity and confirmed its pathogenicity as well as exploring its characteristics. Leaf tissue isolation, morphological characteristic observation and molecular analysis for determining the fungal identity, a pathogenicity test, disease occurrence observation on red- and white-ginger, colony characteristic on four different media and its response on PDA medium amanded with 0 – 500 ppm of mancozeb or copper hydroxide had been carried out in the plant pathology laboratory of ISMCRI in Bogor. The fungus was identified as a group of Phoma based on morphological characteristic, homology and phylogeny analysis. The carrot agar medium is the best medium for growing and sporulation of the fungus. The disease incidence and severity occurrence were more severe on white-ginger than the red-one. Mancozeb inhibited the fungus growth more effectively than copper hydroxide, but 500 ppm is not inhibiting the fungal growth.

Yeast diversity isolated from nypa palm leaf litter in the macrohabitat of the nypa palm worm (Namalycastis rhodochorde)

Yeasts are known to have broad and specific enzymatic activity, including cellulolytic activity. The diversity of yeast in the nypa palm mangrove area is thought to have a role in the organic degradation process of nypa leaf litter which supports the fermentation of nypa palm worm feed. This study aims to determine the composition and genera of yeast present in the habitat of nypa palm worms. The sampling process was determined using a purposive sampling method in Sungai Kakap Village, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan. Isolation was carried out using the pour plate method with serial dilution on the Saboraud Dextrose Agar Medium (SDA). The process of characterizing yeast genera was determined by observing the characteristics of microcolonies, type of budding cells, presence of pseudohyphae, type and number of spores, ascospore, and capsule presence. The results showed that the composition of the successfully isolated yeast was 11% of the total colonies growing on the SDA medium. Isolates NrYS1 and NrYS4 are similar to Torulaspora, while isolates NrYS2 and NrYS3 are similar to Schizosaccharomyces. Further research is needed on the potential of the four enzymatic yeasts to be used as probiotic feed for the nypa palm worm’s culture.

Contamination of Armenian Red Pepper by Microfungi and Aflatoxin B1

Key words: paprika, hot red pepper, filamentous fungi, aflatoxin B1, strains, contamination The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination of ground red pepper with mycotoxigenic fungi. During 2019-2020 we have analyzed 45 samples taken from different regions of the republic. 13 species of filamentous fungi, belonging to five genera were isolated from ground pepper. Such spices as Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus var. griseobrunes, A. ochraceus, Penicillium lanosum и Absidia corymbifera were most frequently isolated from red pepper samples on Czapek-Dox agar medium. A chromatographic analysis of 17 samples of ground red pepper was carried out for the presence of aflatoxin B1. As a result, Aflatoxin B1 had been detected in 9 samples. Aflatoxin concentrations in paprika and hot red pepper ranged from 10 to 50 μg/kg. The aflatoxin content in red pepper samples did not depend on its pungency. Other mycotoxins have not been identified during the present study. These findings indicate the risk possibility of human exposure to mycotoxins through the consumption of dry rep pepper.

Effect of plant extracts on the inhibition of the mycelial growth of Penicilium citrinum Link

Objective: To evaluate in vitro plant extracts of three plant species —mistletoe (Psittacanthus spp.), guinea hen weed (Petiveria alliacea), and ginger (Zingiber officinale)— with the aim of determining their inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of Penicilliun citrinum isolated from coffee beans.Design/Methodology/Approach: Filtrations were carried out under aseptic conditions using a vacuum system and were added to the Potato Dextrose Agar medium. Once it had solidified, a 5-mm disc of P. citrinum was placed in the center of the Petri dish.Results: The ethyl plant extracts, like the chemical product, showed a 100% inhibition on the pathogen development.Findings/Conclusions: Ethyl plant extracts can be an agroecological alternative for the control of P. citrinum.

Candida isolation and identification from pregnant women in Kirkuk city

Abstract Background: One of the most common fungal species that have been discovered as a component of the normal flora in different human body sections is Candida spp. it is the only major opportunistic fungus that exists in both commensal and pathogenic forms. Objective: This study was prepared to find out the prevalence of candidiasis among pregnant women in Kirkuk city in addition to diagnose and identify its important species. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 154 patients whom suspected of having candidiasis and attended at (Azadi Teaching, Kirkuk General, and Al-Nasar Maternity) hospitals from December 2021 till April 2022. Specimens were carried out by taking a vaginal swab from all pregnant women. The swabs were first examined directly by using potassium hydroxide (10%) then inoculated onto Sabouraud’s dextrose agar supported with Amikacine antibiotic. The mycological examination has revealed 62.33% positive candidiasis, by direct microscopy examination through the recognition of pseudohyphae or yeasts. Hi Chrom agar medium was used to detect Candidal species identification. Results: Four species have been isolated each with an incidence of 67.7% for Candida albicans, 13.5% for Candida glabrata, 11.5% for Candida tropicalis, 7.3% for Candida krusie. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Candida is very common among pregnant women and being the most predominant species.